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The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and the state Boards and Commissions released a summary of disciplinary actions through the month of February 2016 taken on individuals and entities with professional and vocational licenses in Hawaii. These disciplinary actions include dispositions based upon either the results of contested case hearings or settlement agreements submitted by the parties. Respondents enter into settlement agreements as a compromise of claims and to conserve on the expenses of proceeding with an administrative hearing.

The DCCA and the Boards and Commissions are responsible for ensuring those with professional and vocational licenses are performing up to the standards prescribed by state law.

This particular case involving a nurse at the Hilo Community Surgery Center caught my attention:

Respondent: Victoria T. Moats (Hawaii Island)

Case Number: RNS 2015-57-L

Sanction: Voluntary surrender of license

Effective Date: 2-11-16

Respondent allegedly violated HRS § 457-12(a)(6) and HAR § 16-89-60(7)(D) by engaging in unprofessional conduct. Respondent allegedly self-injected Propofol into herself while on duty as a nurse at the Hilo Community Surgery Center in Hilo, Hawaii, causing her to lose consciousness. (Board approved Settlement Agreement.)

The Americans for Responsible Solutions (ARS), a national political action organization that supports sensible gun control legislation, this week applauded the Hawaii House of Representatives for passing two bills that close loopholes that allow dangerous individuals from legally purchasing firearms.

HOUSE BILL 1813 HD1, authored by Rep. Karl Rhoads, closes the loophole in the current federal law that allows known or suspected terrorists in Hawaii to pass a background check and legally buy a firearm.

House Bill 625 HD1, introduced by Rep. Chris Lee, closes another loophole in federal law that permits individuals with misdemeanor stalking or sexual assault convictions to legally purchase a gun.

“Leaders in Hawaii’s House of Representatives did the responsible thing and came together to keep guns out of the wrong hands and make Hawaii a safer place to live,” said ARS co-founder Gabrielle Giffords. “It makes absolutely no sense that right now in Hawaii, a known or suspected terrorist or convicted stalker can pass a background check and buy a gun. So we applaud Rep. Rhoads and Rep. Lee for their leadership in authoring and helping to move these common sense, responsible proposals forward.”

ARS was co-founded by Giffords, a former Arizona congresswoman and her husband NASA astronaut Capt. Mark Kelly. In 2011, Giffords was a victim of an assassination attempt near Tucson. She was critically injured by a gunshot wound to the head. Others were injured and 6 were killed in the shooting, including a federal judge and a nine-year-old girl.

“We were, of course, pleased with the fact that others have also recognized the value of these bills in closing loopholes in the federal law covering background checks,” said Rhoads. “More importantly, they also recognize that it is possible to take responsible and sensible steps in protecting all of us, while ensuring the rights of law abiding citizens to own and keep guns.”

“An overwhelming majority of female homicide victims were stalked before they were killed. Keeping guns out of the hands of convicted stalkers and violent offenders will help save lives,” added Lee.

Personnel from the Coast Guard 14th District and Coast Guard Sector Honolulu met with the survivors of the fishing vessel Vicious Cycle at Pier 4, Friday.

Rescued are Jonathan Hoag, 46, from Rye, New Hampshire, Zaenal, 29, from Indonesia and Syamsul, 29, also from Indonesia.

Coast Guard personnel conducted a thorough search and rescue debrief with the survivors, as is standard practice for cases involving commercial vessels, to gather information that was unavailable during the initial stages of the case. The cause of the sinking is not known and remains under investigation.

“Huge thanks to the Coast Guard and the Navy for our rescue,” said Jonathan Hoag. “Everything was incredibly well organized and we are here now to prove it.”

Jonathan Hoag, the captain of the fishing vessel Vicious Cycle, and his two crew members, Zaenal and Syamsul, are all smiles after being rescued by the Navy and Coast Guard, after their vessel sank 161 miles southwest of Kona, Hawai’i, March 11, 2016.

The survivors were located and rescued fairly quickly due to having a properly registered emergency positioning indicating radio beacon and the proper emergency and survival equipment.

Jonathan Hoag, the captain of the fishing vessel Vicious Cycle, and his two crew members, are all smiles after being rescued by the Navy and Coast Guard, after their vessel sank 161 miles southwest of Kona, Hawai’i, March 11, 2016.

The survivors were located and rescued fairly quickly due to having a properly registered emergency positioning indicating radio beacon and the proper emergency and survival equipment.

Children from age two to eleven can enjoy the fun of searching for over 2,000 plastic eggs during the Second Annual Free Easter Egg Hunt at Botanical World Adventures, 16 miles north of Hilo.

“The event was a huge success last year so we made it even bigger this year,” explained Kika Nixon, Operations Manager at Botanical World Adventures. “There are more eggs for the children to find and more and larger prizes for adults. “Every child will receive candy or a small prize. Plus we are having drawings for free rides on our Zip Isle zip line tour and on our unique Segway Rainforest tour.”

Mrs. Nixon said the Easter Egg hunt will take place on both Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27. The egg hunt starts at 10:00a.m. each day. Children will gather the eggs then turn them in for candy or prizes. Admission to the beautiful World Botanical Gardens at Botanical World Adventures is free for children and families attending the egg hunts.

“We want to give back to our community and just felt this is one fun way to do that,” Mrs. Nixon added. “We look forward to seeing everyone.”

A special Sunrise Service by the Hilo Coast United Church of Christ will also take place at Botanical World on Easter Sunday from 6:00 – 6:45a.m. “All are welcome. The service will be at the Kamae’e Falls overlook here at Botanical World and we have easy to access to a tent in case of rain,” said the Operations Manager.

Botanical World Adventures is located 16 miles north of Hilo at mile marker 16 on Highway 19. Additional information is available by calling (808) 963-5427; (toll free: 888-947-4753), and on the web at www.ZipIsle.com or BotanicalWorld.com